Michael Jackson Was Taught to Moonwalk by an 8-Year-Old Child, According to His Brother Marlon

Marlon Jackson recently reminisced about his late brother Michael’s remarkable career during an appearance on WFAN radio. As part of the legendary Jackson family, Marlon reflected on significant events in Michael’s life, particularly the iconic moonwalk dance move that redefined pop music performances.

At the age of 68, Marlon participated in a discussion with hosts Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle ahead of an upcoming performance with his brothers. The conversation naturally gravitated toward Michael’s most noteworthy moments, including his groundbreaking performance during the 1983 television special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” It was on this stage where Michael first introduced the moonwalk to a global audience, a moment that has since become etched in the annals of music history.

When asked about witnessing the moonwalk for the first time, Marlon shared an intriguing insight, revealing that he and his brothers, Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine, had seen Michael practicing the groundbreaking dance move in advance of the televised event. “We knew that he was gonna do that move,” Marlon stated, reminiscing about the rehearsals leading up to the performance.

Interestingly, Marlon explained that the moonwalk, although closely associated with Michael, was not an original creation of his. He clarified that the dance was inspired by the youth culture of that era. “My nephew, not on my family’s side but on my wife’s side, was the first person that showed him the moonwalk,” Marlon explained, revealing that the child was merely eight years old at the time.

The journey of the moonwalk, as it turned out, involved several contributions before it became Michael’s signature dance move. Marlon elaborated, saying, “He told me that they call it the backwards slide,” which was the term used before Michael renamed it. The transition of the move into the mainstream was cemented when Jeffrey Daniel, a member of the group Shalamar, taught Michael how to perform the backwards slide. Michael’s reinterpretation transformed the dance move into what we now know as the moonwalk.

The origins of the moonwalk date back even further. Jeffrey Daniel reminisced about demonstrating the dance on “Soul Train” as early as 1979. He recalled his first encounter with Michael and Janet Jackson, which took place during a performance at Disneyland. “He brought little Janet Jackson and they stood in the wing and watched us dance,” Daniel recalled. This early introduction would lead to a lasting mentorship between Daniel and Michael.

Beginning in 1981, Daniel collaborated with Michael, offering guidance and helping to shape the choreography that would accompany some of Michael’s greatest hits. Notably, Daniel co-choreographed the music videos for iconic tracks such as “Beat It” and “Smooth Criminal,” showcasing the depth of their partnership. Their professional relationship continued throughout Michael’s career, with Daniel accompanying him on various tours, including their visit to Brazil for the memorable song “They Don’t Care About Us.”

Marlon’s reflections highlight the collaborative nature of dance and music creativity, illustrating how the moonwalk’s success was influenced by multiple individuals, including Michael’s family and friends. It serves as a reminder that even the most iconic moments in entertainment are often a product of community and shared inspiration.

As Marlon and his brothers prepare to take the stage once more, conversations surrounding their family legacy remain alive and relevant. The memories they share not only pay tribute to Michael’s genius but also shed light on the cooperative spirit that fuels artistic expression, a concept that resonates with fans and performers alike.